The key to an extraordinary pool is an extraordinary pool finish. The importance of pool finish extends far beyond mere aesthetics, like the fact that it determines the smoothness for swimmers.
In this article, we have compared two of the most popular choices for pool finishes; Marcite and Diamond Brite.
Looks and Appearance
Marcite
Marcite is the oldest and the most classical pool finish there is. It has been used for decades to plaster pools, and gives an overall vintage effect to the appearance of the pool.
Marcite is composed of white Portland cement and marble dust. Thus, its original color is white which, combined with the reflections caused by water, makes the pool appear bright and spacious.
These days however, various dyes can be added to the mixture that can give you shades of blue and gray plaster for a unique look.
Diamond Brite
If you are looking for a plaster that will give a modern and sleek touch to your pool, Diamond Brite is your best bet. The plaster consists of original quartz crystals that have been processed to obtain a roundish shape for a more sophisticated appearance. These quartz crystals have multi-colored pigments which make the finish much more interesting to look at.
In addition to the great looks, these quartz granules allow minor scratches and discolorations to be easily camouflaged, thus making your pool look tidy at all times.
Furthermore, Diamond Brite offers a lot more shades than most other pool finishes. You can choose between eye-catching colors such as red, blue, teal, tan and gray to elevate the appearance of your pool.
Water Appearance
Marcite
As we have discussed above, Marcite gives the pool a textbook white appearance. The light shade of the plaster makes the water look clear and shiny. It also allows the water to reflect light and blend into the surroundings in a much better way.
All in all, the water gives off hues of blue and bright white, while reflecting light to a great degree. The ability of water to reflect light is also enhanced by the smooth finish of Marcite.
Diamond Brite
Diamond Brite gives the water a relatively uniform color, based on the color of the plaster itself. The color of water in a pool with Diamond Brite is not affected much by the surroundings.
The multi-colored quartz granules at the bottom of these pools steal much of the attention and the nitty gritty about the water can be easily overlooked.
Texture and Feel
Marcite
The components of Marcite are smooth materials with a powdery finish. The cement and marble dust blend perfectly and give the pool a flat interior, which is quite pleasant for the feet. Nonetheless, some users feel that Marcite is too slippery for their liking, and can be dangerous.
Diamond Brite
As we have discussed before, the hallmark of Diamond Brite is its composition containing quartz crystals. When applied to the interior of the wall, these quartz crystals give a rough and slightly bumpy texture. However, the texture is not at all sharp and there is no danger of any scratches or injury. The slightly irregular finish is not only good to feel for the feet, but also provides grip.
Durability and Maintenance
Marcite
Marcite is composed of materials such as cement and marble dust, that are not particularly known for their longevity. This is especially true for marble dust which is prone to damage by chemicals, minerals and variations in acid-base balance.
This damage manifests as discolorations, staining and even erosion. All this makes Marcite an overall less durable option among pool finishes. On average, Marcite lasts for about 10 years, provided adequate care is taken.
Moreover, this also means that Marcite requires a much more rigorous maintenance, and a precise control of pool chemistry. This can prove to be cumbersome.
Diamond Brite
In terms of durability, Diamond Brite is quite superior. It can easily last for about 15 to 20 years, without giving you much trouble for maintenance. This is mainly due to the natural quartz present in it. These are among the strongest minerals that exist naturally, and thus are quite resistant to damage even under harsh circumstances.
Diamond Brite can survive extremes of pH, variations in pool chemistry and strong chemicals used for cleansing. Even if there are some discolorations or slight damage, the pattern of the finish can easily cover it so you will likely not need to replace it.
Diamond Brite is also not much affected by pool chemistry, and requires only an acid wash once in about 5 years to keep looking fresh. This makes it quite easy to maintain.
Cost and Value
Marcite
Marcite retails for a considerably lower price than almost all the newer pool finishes. This is mainly due to the fact that it is composed of basic materials that are easily and widely available, and does not require a lot of processing. Therefore, if your goal is to look for a pool finish that is light on your budget, this is it.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that Marcite, due to its inability to resist damage, requires frequent touch ups. In addition, you might need to replace it much before a decade if your pool is used regularly. This raises big questions on the value offered for money.
Diamond Brite
Diamond Brite lies on the higher end of the spectrum when the price point is considered. It retails for a much higher cost than Marcite, with a difference of about $3000 to $4000 between them. However, given that it is composed of strong natural minerals and much more expensive components, it is easy to see that the higher cost is understandable.
Conclusion
In light of the discussion above, one can easily see that Diamond Brite is the future of pool finish. It not only adds tremendously to the aesthetic appeal of your pool, but is also long-lasting and easy to maintain. This means that you will not have to constantly worry about the finish of your pool and can instead, make the most out of it. All of these plus points justify the cost of Diamond Brite, making it a worthwhile investment.
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